Almanac Life: Claire’s wedding speech, to me

Last week we read Mickey Randall’s lovely speech to his wife Claire, from their wedding day. Now, we get to see what Claire said to return the favour.

Almanac Life: The Tightarse

It’s a sticky question, but for Smokie it’s easy to think of one ‘tightarse’ he knows. Enjoy as he humorously discusses the frugal disposition of ‘Ocker’, a former fellow employee with a desperate need to save up.

Almanac Food: Hanging Out At My ‘Pandemic Café’

Did the Covid-19 pandemic (hopefully just about over in Australia) and its resulting forms of lockdown bring out in Almanackers particular food cravings/obsessions? It certainly did in Kevin Densley’s case. In response, KD created a personal “Pandemic Cafe” menu, one high on instant gratification, and low in terms of other culinary considerations!

Balcony Banter: Oh, the memories

In a touching contribution to the MCC Members blog ‘Balcony Banter’, Anne Cahill Lambert pays tribute to her son Trevor who passed away recently. (Sincere condolences to the Lambert family on their sad loss – Ed)

Book Launch: The Furphy Anthology 2020

Last year’s successful Furphy Literary Award’s best pieces have been collated into’ The Furphy Anthology’, which was recently launched at Richmond’s iconic London Tavern pub.

Almanac Life: My wedding speech, to Claire

Mickey Randall married his beloved Claire last weekend. He shares his wedding speech with the Almanac readership. (A hearty congratulations to you both – from all at The Footy Almanac).

Almanac Poetry: Platinum Blonde

This week’s intriguing poem from Kevin Densley is about 1930s Hollywood glamour icon, Jean Harlow, who died tragically young.

Almanac Roadtrips: Two great clubs in two great days

The splendour of country Victoria is often worth a visit; the towns of Bright and Myrtleford are no exception. For Haje Halabi they’re more than worthwhile – it’s a return to the roots, a place of friends, food and the footy clubs that shaped him.

Almanac (Family) Life: ‘Hamilton’ in Sydney

ER and family travelled to Sydney to see, on stage, the musical which has dominated their domestic soundtrack for ages – ‘Hamilton’. There was a game of footy in there somewhere too.

Almanac Comedy: ‘Mo Goes to the Dogs’

Kevin Densley introduces an episode of the classic Australian radio comedy series, McCackie Mansion, from just after WW2, starring the legendary actor/comedian Mo. In this episode, Mo McCackie, his son, Young Harry, Uncle Horrible and Spencer the Garbageman go to the Harold Park dogs – KD describes it as “seven and a half minutes of hilarious, nostalgic joy”.

Almanac Footy (and Life): A sense of perspective

Patrick O’Brien’s two favourite teams, Arsenal and St Kilda, endured horror Easter weekends on the field. He was distraught but two pieces of reading recalibrated his thoughts and challenged him to take a new perspective.

Book Release: ‘War Games’ by Ron Reed

The most recent book by veteran journalist Ron Reed is called ‘War Games’ which deals with his father’s wartime experiences in Japan, and the plan Ron had to honour those memories with one last trip to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympic Games.

Almanac Poetry: ‘Magpie versus Crow’ – Tommy Mallet

A battle for territory between magpies and crow is the topic of Tommy Mallet’s poem, ‘Magpie versus Crow’.

Almanac Poetry: Morrisons, Victoria

This week’s poem from Kevin Densley is about Morrisons, a Victorian locality near the small town of Meredith. Some of KD’s relatives farmed there is the past.

Almanac Life: Another Good Friday in Glenelg

Mickey Randall takes a lazy Good Friday afternoon cruise around town to eventually reach the Broady for a couple of well-earned drinks.

Almanac Memoir (and Music): ‘Maybe’ by Split Enz

This Friday’s piece from KD, although quite brief, covers a great deal of territory, including mid-1970s Sydney, the Opera House, King’s Cross, a family holiday, and an encounter with early Split Enz.

Round 2 – Haiku Bob – life is simple

Watching the Magpies’ win over Carlton, Haiku Bob had a moment of clarity about a simple rule for a happy life (for Magpie fans).

Almanac (Photography) Books: ‘Waiting Under Southern Skies’ by Colin Abbott

Colin Abbott has observed life in Australia from behind his camera for over half a century. An album of his photographs was recently published under the title ‘Waiting Under Southern Skies’. He has a most generous offer for Almanac readers.

Almanac Life: 2020 Revolt

From the verb revolt and its many synonyms, Nicole Kelly highlights issues that need addressing in today’s society.

Almanac Music: ‘The Weight” (Live at the Royal Albert Hall) – The Band

‘Music from the Big Pink’ was the first album released by The Band and includes their timeless classic ‘The Weight. Have a listen to a live version of this classic song.